Official Government Sources
Rhode Island Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Rhode Island government websites.
General Records
Rhode Island Asset Search
Search government agencies open to the public to find assets of companies, corporations, or individuals.
Rhode Island Background Check
Resources to navigate public records and obtain documents or filings on individuals in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Bankruptcy Records Search
Conduct a bankruptcy search through public records to find individual or corporate bankruptcy filings.
Rhode Island Business & Corporation Search
Find active and inactive corporations by name from the RI Dept. of Business Regulation.
Rhode Island Court Records
Direct access to Rhode Island courts online; from district and county to Supreme courts.
Rhode Island Criminal Records
Search for felony or misdemeanor criminal charges by requesting records from the Rhode Island state repository.
Rhode Island Death Records
Online resource for finding free death records from the RI Dept. of Health.
Rhode Island Public Record Expungements
Information and resources to assist in expunging criminal records state and nationwide.
Rhode Island Driving Records
Access online forms from the state DMV to request a drivers license, complete registration and more.
Rhode Island Federal Cases
Search the Rhode Island Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
Rhode Island Genealogy Records
Browse state archives, historical records, and online databases, search Rhode Island census records to find info about a
Rhode Island Inmates
Find the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the Rhode Island Dept. of Corrections.
Rhode Island Judgments and Liens
Find judgments, liens and UCC filings of any individual in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Lawyer Lookup
Verify an attorney's licensing status with the State Bar.
Rhode Island Marriage Search
Request a copy of a marriage certificates from the Rhode Island Department of Health.
Rhode Island Missing Children
Search Rhode Island missing and exploited kids.
Rhode Island Most Wanted
Current posting of fugitives and absconders from the RI State Police.
Rhode Island Police Search
Rhode Island Police and Law Enforcement Agency Directory.
Rhode Island Property Records
Obtain property tax info by contacting the State of RI.
Rhode Island Sex Offenders
Search the RI Parole Board and Sex Offender Community Notification Unit database of registered offenders by name or loca
Rhode Island Unclaimed Property
Search property and claim status by individual name or business thru the state treasurer.
Rhode Island Vital Records
Request birth and death certificates, marriage records and divorce filings in Rhode Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Rhode Island Public Records
What is included in a Rhode Island background check?
In Rhode Island, background checks are governed by the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA) (Rhode Island General Laws § 38-2-1 through § 38-2-15). They may include criminal history, sex offender status, court filings, arrest records, and vital statistics. Agencies must respond within 10 business days to respond. The law is administered by Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, 150 S. Main St., Providence, RI 02903; (401) 274-4400.
Where can I find police reports in Rhode Island?
Police reports in Rhode Island are public records under the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA). Submit your request to the agency that generated the report. Who may request: Any person - no residency requirement. Response deadline: 10 business days to respond. If access is denied, you may appeal to district or circuit court. Police report requests in Rhode Island are processed under the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-1). Requesters must provide the incident date, location, and the names of parties involved. The Rhode Island State Police administers state trooper report requests from its records office in Providence, RI. For local reports, contact the municipality or county where the incident occurred. Most agencies respond within 10 business days; certified copies are available for court use.
What are the procedures to obtain Rhode Island vital records, and what is included in those records with address, not URLs?
Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) in Rhode Island are maintained by the state Department of Health or Vital Statistics. Standard fees: Actual cost of duplication; no charge for electronic records in their existing f. Certified copies carry separate fee schedules. Fee waivers may be available for journalists, nonprofits, and public-interest requesters - always ask.
What is the school district and performance data for Rhode Island?
Not all Rhode Island records are publicly available. Key exemptions under the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA): Personnel records, attorney-client privilege, medical records, trade secrets, ongoing criminal investigations, preliminary deliberations, and certain public safety records Understanding exemptions is critical before filing a request. Exempted records include: Personnel records, attorney-client privilege, medical records, trade secrets, ongoing criminal investigations, preliminary deliberations, an When records are withheld, agencies must cite the specific statutory authority. Challenge improper denials by appealing to district or circuit court.
What is the crime statistics for Rhode Island?
Rhode Island crime statistics are compiled by the Rhode Island State Police (RISP) and the Rhode Island Justice Commission and published at risp.ri.gov. FBI UCR data covers Rhode Island. In 2022, Rhode Island reported a violent crime rate of approximately 230 per 100,000 residents. The Rhode Island Statistical Analysis Center publishes detailed reports at rijustice.ri.gov. Local data is available through the Providence and Warwick police departments.
If I get arrested in Rhode Island where would I go to jail and court? include address.
If arrested in Rhode Island, you would be taken to the local county jail. Court appearances are scheduled in the county where the arrest occurred. Under the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA), arrest records and booking information are generally public. Oversight: Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, 150 S. Main St., Providence, RI 02903; (401) 274-4400. Appeals go to district or circuit court.
Can I find Public records in Rhode Island State Library?
Yes. Rhode Island state and public libraries provide access to public records databases. The Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA) (Rhode Island General Laws § 38-2-1 through § 38-2-15) guarantees public access to government documents. Many libraries offer free access to LexisNexis, court records portals, and vital record indexes. Under the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-1), Rhode Island residents can access public records through state and local libraries. The Rhode Island State Archives, 337 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903 maintains research collections including historical newspapers, land records, probate files, and legislative archives. Libraries also provide free access to LexisNexis Public Records and other subscription databases not available at home. Reference librarians are available to help navigate Rhode Island government records portals and submit public records requests.
Where is the Rhode Island State Library located?
The Rhode Island Library is located at 150 Empire Street, Providence, RI 02903. In addition to its main location, the Rhode Island State Library coordinates resources and services for public libraries statewide. Patrons can access LexisNexis, ProQuest Historical Newspapers, and PACER court records indexes through the library. Under the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-1), government documents are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Reference librarians in Providence, RI can assist with inter-library loans, records requests, and genealogical research inquiries.
Rhode Island State fingerprinting office
Rhode Island fingerprinting services are provided by the Rhode Island State Police (RISP), Bureau of Criminal Identification, at 311 Danielson Pike, North Scituate, RI 02857. Phone: (401) 764-2900. IdentoGO (MorphoTrust) operates fingerprinting locations in Providence, Cranston, and Woonsocket - schedule at identogo.com or call 1-888-483-4632. Local police departments in Providence, Cranston, Warwick, and Pawtucket also provide fingerprinting for employment and licensing.